Branson lifts model Jennifer Mayani, standing on the wing of the Airbus. (AFP)
Mumbai, March 31: Sir Richard Branson brought Mumbai airport to a standstill today when he stepped out on to the wing of his Airbus 340, with two local models holding clapper boards proclaiming his latest production, “Mumbai Dreams”.

One of the women shrieked with delight and embarrassment when he lifted her in his arms as he had been told they do in Hindi films. Two Virgin Atlantic stewardesses were also there, one holding the Union Jack and the other the Indian tricolour.

On Virgin’s inaugural flight VS350, which left Heathrow last night for Mumbai, he made a brief announcement to journalists and guests who had come with him. “This is Richard Branson. Welcome on board our historic flight to Mumbai — or Bombay — for those who don’t know the difference.”

The passengers in upper class not only had plenty of good food and champagne and access to allegedly the longest flat beds in the business but also massages in the morning."

Quoting Jacobin777 (Thread starter):Branson lifts model Jennifer Mayani, standing on the wing of the Airbus. (AFP)
Mumbai, March 31: Sir Richard Branson brought Mumbai airport to a standstill today when he stepped out on to the wing of his Airbus 340, with two local models holding clapper boards proclaiming his latest production, “Mumbai Dreams”.

And after the inaugural VS flight to SYD

It was meant to be a light-hearted stunt, dreamed up on a wing and a prayer. But Virgin Atlantic is embroiled in a furious row with airport bosses in Australia over Sir Richard Branson's celebratory antics following its inaugural flight to Sydney last week.

On arrival, Sir Richard, 54, climbed on to the wing of Virgin's Airbus jet clutching a surfboard. He was accompanied by a group of swimwear models waving a Union flag and an Australian national flag.

Aviation officials, who were watching from the ground, were unimpressed by the number of people balancing on the potentially slippery surface and attempted to order him back inside the plane.

Airport bosses have since carpeted Virgin officials for ignoring agreed safety protocols. They are demanding further discussions "in confidence" to seek assurances about the airline's future conduct.

Obviously the discussions "in confidence" failed to seek any assurances about the airline's future conduct!

MOL on SRB's latest attack at BA: "It's like a little Chihuahua barking at a dying Labrador. Nobody cares."

Apparantely Branson nearly got deported at Mumbai due to an expired Indian visa! He called the Indian Prime Ministers Office who sorted out the matter and had immigration issue him a 72 hrs. temp. landing pass.

Quoting BOEING787 (Reply 2):Apparantely Branson nearly got deported at Mumbai due to an expired Indian visa! He called the Indian Prime Ministers Office who sorted out the matter and had immigration issue him a 72 hrs. temp. landing pass.

Shame he got a special permission.. equal right for everyone.. him being deported would have been even a greater publicity gag

I think the Indian protocol has a special clause which enables 'certain' people to bypass laws. I think 'Knights' fall in that category. I am not sure but probably they are. But then, I think they wud have allowed bill gates to stay if his visa was expired (even though he is not a knight)....

He is a credit to Entreprenuers and Businessmen and Women. He started with nothing but a record player and now he is a billionaire. Can anyone here do better..............? I thought not.

He is a fantastic employer; fair, kind and he has got more character than all of the Billionaires in the world put together! How can residents of a country that needs foreign investment and an economic boost, make sly comments about not letting a man into a country that eventually will employ hundreds if not thousands more people? Are you bloody stupid or something?

Paul, no need to get so flustered. Yes true VS will bring in employment, money etc but Virgin benefits more than India. Anyway that is not the point. The point is that a person could come in with an expired visa.
How fair and kind you are as an employer is not a facet to be considered when your talking about a valid visa! Don’t get me wrong I love Branson and am a huge fan of VS, I am glad he was let in

Personally if Bill Gates came without a visa I would go so far as to say I EXPECT that officials let him enter, because he is Bill Gates! True India’s visa laws are pretty outdates and hopeless, but if it were anyone else they would not be let in. Thank god he has the connections to call the PMO, it would have been marginally funny if couldn’t get off the plane!

Quoting MaverickM11 (Reply 8):Maybe it would have spurred the Indians (and many others) to give up their retarded visa rules.

OK, why are the rules retarded? This is a question, not an offence.. I would like to hear one good argument, and we can discuss.. I agree that the visa rules are not appropriate, but take the other position: they are far too liberal

Quoting Paul (Reply 9):How can residents of a country that needs foreign investment and an economic boost, make sly comments about not letting a man into a country that eventually will employ hundreds if not thousands more people? Are you bloody stupid or something?

OK, listen Paul: I have no idea whether you have ever heard of irony (and saw the smiley). If not, get yourself a dictionary, and possibly some sense f humor. Second, even if someone brings employment, there are certain rules. If it was that easy, we could have opened the sector 100 % for FDI (on the cost of surrendering the market). before calling someone stupid, do consider whether or not you have the substantial knowledge and provide the substantial arguments, or are just on of the dumb, stupid and uneducated out of xx Million

Quoting Paul (Reply 9):He is a credit to Entreprenuers and Businessmen and Women. He started with nothing but a record player and now he is a billionaire. Can anyone here do better..............? I thought not.

ACcording to my knowledge, most of the billionaire dont' start with a billion dollar asset.OPera, WArren buffet, M.dell all started froma scratch.